Our March theme is 'Sweet 16'. This was a chance to try different whiskies that have all been matured for 16 yrs.

The line up includes:

Aberlour 16

Aberfeldy 16

Glenrothes 2001

Jura 16 Durachs Own

Tomintoul 16 or Glenlossie 16 (tbc)

These high quality expressions showcase what can be achieved in 16 yrs (in wood) an also the the quality and diversity that can be achieved for 3 simple ingredients (Water, yeast and barley).

The tasting was hosted by our very own Alan Kendall.

1. Aberlour 16 “Double cask” 43% £49.95 Speyside region, built in 1879. Damaged by fire in 1898. Aberlour means babbling brook in Gaelic Output 3.8 million litres / yr Bestselling single malt in France. Owned by Pernod Ricard (french) The 16 yr old is a mixture of first fill bourbon and sherry butts.

2. Aberfeldy 16 40% £55.95 Highland region, built in 1898 (Victorian era) Home to Dewars world or whisky Output 3.5 million litres / yr Water source is Pittlie burn, which contains traces of gold. Hence the nickname the golden dram. Combination of bourbon and finished in oloroso sherry casks

3. Tomitoul 16 40% £42 Speyside region. Founded in 1965. Youngest distillery tonight. Known as “The gentle Dram” Output 3.3 million litres / yr For two weeks a year they produce a peated spirit that is branded as Old Ballatrum whisky.  First fill bourbon casks

4. Jura 16 40% £48.50 “Island” region, though technically that’s highlands. Quite young, founded in 1963, though an older distillery used to be there from 1810 but was dismantles in 1901.  Output 2.2 million litres / yr Last week they revamped their range and branding with 10, 12, Seven wood NAS and 18yrs old. The 18 is £75. The 16 yr old is being discontinued by April. 14 years American white oak, 2 years oloroso sherry casks. (thought to be chill filtered and added e150)

5. Glenrothes 2001 43% £52.50 Speyside region. Founded in 1879. Releases mostly “vintage” dated whisky. Was until recently owned by BBR. Also do some NAS “Select reserve” etc Output 5.5 million litres / yr. Biggest one tonight. Large fire in 1897, exploded in 1903 and another fire in 1922. A “variety of casks” is all it says.